Transit

While it may look like everyone in the county drives, public transportation is available. There are alternatives to driving, although the majority of us still love our cars. Here are the facts, where you can find a ticket to ride and a few tips on how you can more sanely reach your destination.
There are many ways to get around Montgomery County. Metro, Metro bus and Ride On serve the county. With the addition of bicycle racks on all Ride On buses, cycling may be a good alternative.
The best way to avoid traffic is to avoid driving during rush hour. And when is non-rush hour in Montgomery County? Peak travel times are generally considered to be 7-9:30 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.

Why is there so much traffic?
According to the Montgomery County 2005 census update:
-77.4 percent of county residents drive to work
-72.0 percent of those drivers drive alone, while 5.3 percent carpool
-15.5 percent use public transit or rail
-2.8 percent walk, bike or use another form of transportation
-4.4 percent work at home
Carpool/Vanpool: The county also offers car and vanpool information. It only takes two to be a carpool. Be prepared for those times when you just can't drive by knowing the names of potential pool-mates. And Guaranteed Ride Home will get you home in an emergency. For more information, contact 240-773-TRIP (8747) or e-mail commuter.express@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Carpool Options: Receive free assistance in forming a carpool or vanpool convenient to your home and office, including potential pool-mates. Call 240-773-TRIP (8747).
Vanpool Options: You can also receive free assistance in forming a vanpool, including potential pool-mates. It takes as few as six people to share a van to work. Call 240-773-TRIP (8747).
You can take advantage of free or discount parking in many lots and garages in the county for car and vanpools. Learn more at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
Park and Ride Lots: There are 19 county, state and privately maintained free park and ride commuter lots with connecting buses that allow you to meet your carpool or to take public transportation (for a list, see following section).
You can learn more by visiting www.montgomerycountymd.gov, or call Commuter Services, 240-773-8747.
To report maintenance problems at these lots, call 301-279-8111.
Metrobus and Metrorail: Call the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) at 202-637-7000 (TTY 638-3780) for a schedule of Metro trains or bus routes and fares.
Montgomery County is served by the Red Line on Metro. www.wmata.com.

Riding Metro
Metrorail opens at 5 a.m. weekdays and at 7 a.m. weekends. It runs until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Holiday hours vary.
Fares run from $1.35 to $4.50 per trip, depending on the distance and time of day.
Metrobus schedules vary by route. Regular fares are $1.35, express fares are $3.10 and senior/disabled fares are 60 cents. Exact change is required unless you are using a pass or SmarTrip card.
Passes and farecards: A pass or farecard is required to ride the Metro.
Passes are generally good for unlimited rides during a specific period of time and can be purchased online at www.wmata.com/riding/passes.cfm.
Farecards are rechargeable and can be purchased at vending machines in Metro stations.

Parking
SmarTrip cards are permanent, rechargeable farecards that are used in place of a paper farecard. They are also the only way to pay for parking at Metro-operated parking lots. SmarTrip cards can be purchased online at www.wmata.com/riding/passes.cfm, at vending machines in Metro stations where parking is available, Metro sales offices, retail outlets and commuter stores.
To use a SmarTrip card, touch it to the circular target panels on faregates, instead of inserting it through the slot.
For more information visit www.wmata.com.
WMATA MetroAccess: Provides alternative transportation for those unable to use existing bus, rail and taxi services from 5 a.m. until midnight Monday through Thursday; 5 a.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday; 5 a.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday; Sunday 5 a.m. to midnight. Call 301-562-5360, 800-523-7009 or (TTY) 301-588-7535.

Ride On
The county's bus lines connect suburban communities with Metrobus and Metrorail service. Call 240-777-7433 (RIDE) or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/dpwt/transit.
Ride On buses run from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. Schedules vary by route.
Fares are $1.35 or 60 cents for seniors and disabled.
One-day, two-week, 20-trip and youth passes are also available and can be purchased online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/dpwt/transit, or at Giant Food stores, Safeway stores, White Flint Mall, regional service centers and county libraries.
For more information visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/dpwt/transit or call 240-777-7433 (RIDE).
Disabled: People in wheelchairs can get information about buses suited for the disabled. Call Ride On at 240-777-5870, or (TTY) 240-777-5869.
The county provides subsidized taxi trips for low-income residents, residents with disabilities and seniors. For more information on Call 'n Ride, call 301-948-5409 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation provides information regarding transit, parking, signals, signing, marking and highway services throughout Montgomery County. Call 301-948-5409 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov.